A Video Unlike Any Other

Crystal Forbes, an experienced videographer and owner of Crystal Clear Productions, offers you some expert advice to help you choose a professional that will create an impressive and truly unique wedding video.

Your wedding day is all about you, so it is only fitting that your wedding video reflects your relationship and personality. Here are some hints to make sure your wedding video is truly unique.

Multiple Cameras - It is recommended that 2 or 3 cameras will give your wedding video a more professional look and provide better coverage of the day. Your videographers will be able to record moments that you might miss, capturing important reactions and candid moments.

Unrestrictive Packages - It's important the package you choose does not specify a particular or limited amount of time. Sometimes things don't go according to plan; you certainly don't need to worry about whether your videographer will stay if you are running late.

Creative Editing Team - A team of creative editors will take the time to put together your wedding video, using subtle effects to ensure your video reflects your personalities. When viewing examples of their work, watch to see if the video shows who the people are as well as what happened on the day. Learning about the couple is just as important as "telling the story". Creative editing is a timely process - beware of companies who assure you that they can produce your wedding video within a few days.

Professional Videographers - It's important that the team is composed of professional videographers with suitable experience. It also makes a difference if they are friendly and polite; they will be interacting with your guests, so it is important that everyone feels and looks comfortable on video.

High Definition - Your videographers should be using high quality cameras, with the ability to film in High Definition and true 16:9 wide screen. Although your edited DVD may still be in Standard Definition (alternatively ask for Blu-Ray upgrades), the overall quality will be much higher if it has been filmed and edited in HD. As DVDs slowly become what VHS is now (redundant!), it's important to have your wedding "future proofed".

Professional Audio Equipment - One of the best ways to make your wedding video unique is to ensure the audio is captured clearly whenever possible. Your videographers should carry professional audio equipment to cover various aspects of the day.

Local Area Knowledge - It's helpful when your videographer is familiar with the area and the specific locations of your day. Ask them whether they've ever filmed in that particular church or reception venue and if you can watch an example of a wedding video filmed there. It's also important they know their way around - you don't want your videographer missing your arrival at the church or some of the photo shoot because they got lost.

Highly Recommended - Your videographer should come highly recommended, and not just by their clients but by their peers as well. Ask for recommendations from your venue, photographer or wedding planner of people they've enjoyed working alongside.

Attention Grabbing Videos - With technology these days, possibilities for your wedding video are endless. There are now many videos that can impact your family and friends that are not necessarily filmed on your wedding day. You can create a Save The Date video instead of sending out paper invitations. Alternatively, a Love Story or Engagement video is an emotion-packed story of your relationship that you can play at the reception. After the wedding, consider doing a Trash The Dress shoot with your videographer and photographer to create stunning images you wouldn't want to do on your wedding day! Talk to your videographer about these modern wedding video options.

Your Planning Can Help - Lastly, there are a few things you can do to help your videographers on the day.

·       Allow Time. The day goes by so quickly; you don't need to hurry it along. Allow time for things like photos and video before you leave for the ceremony. Allow too extra time after your ceremony for the important family and group shots. Discuss this further with your photographer.

·       Discuss with your celebrant/officiant how you and the bridal party will be arranged for your ceremony. Decide whether you would like to face your guests or the front of the church for your vows. Ensure the bridal party is "fanned" out in a line rather than in a horseshoe/semi-circle shape so your videographers can clearly shoot all of you.

·       Use a microphone for your speeches. This will ensure your guests can hear everything clearly, and your videographers can connect their audio equipment to the microphone. If you have a large number of guests (100 +), use a lectern so that all your speakers stand in the same spot.

·       Remind your MC to liaise with the videographers. The MC needs to let them know the schedule of important formalities (such as speeches, cake cutting, first dance) so they are set up and ready.

·       The layout of your reception venue should be spacious. Remember that your videographers will need to move between tables to capture clear shots of the bridal table, the speakers and your family tables. A great reception layout is to a horseshoe shape with the tables and the bridal table at the top. Alternatively, speak with your reception venue for other ideas.

·       Consider the lighting. Find out whether your videographers use their own lighting, but also consider the lighting of the room itself. Candlelight or fairy lights look lovely, but it will often look dark on your video if this is the only source of light. It might be as simple as turning the main lights on for speeches and other formalities.

The right videographer will use their creativity and passion to create a wedding video as unique as you are, giving it that personal touch that reflects who you are as a couple. It's this calibre of video that will be watched for years to come.

- Crystal